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Manny_Ramirez

Manny_Ramirez


Manny_Ramirez
Manny_Ramirez
Manny_Ramirez
Manny_Ramirez

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Career

High school

Growing up in Washington Heights, New York City, New York, Ramirez attended George Washington High School, New York. He was a 3-time All-City selection in baseball and was named New York City Public School Player of the Year in 1991, while batting .615 with 14 home runs in 22 games. He was inducted into the New York City Public School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

Minor leagues

The Cleveland Indians selected Ramirez with the 13th pick of the 1991 draft and assigned to the Rookie-level Burlington Indians for his professional debut. He was named the Appalachian League MVP and was selected by Baseball America as short-season Player of the Year while slugging 19 homers and driving in 63 runs in 59 games, while leading the league in slugging and total bases.

With the Single-A Kinston Indians in 1992, Ramirez battled injuries but still hit .278 with 13 homers and 63 RBI in 81 games and was named as the No.3 Prospect and the "Most Exciting Player in the Carolina League" by Baseball America.

In 1993, Ramirez was named "Minor League Player of the Year" by Baseball America while combining to hit .333 with 31 homers and 115 RBI in 129 games with the Double-A Canton-Akron Indians and Triple-A Charlotte Knights.

Cleveland Indians

Ramirez made his major league debut on September 2, 1993 against the Minnesota Twins, going hitless in four at-bats as the designated hitter. The following day against the New York Yankees he went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and a double. His first career homer was against Mélido Pérez.

In his first full season in the majors, Ramirez finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting after batting .269 with 17 homers and 60 RBI in 91 games. He won his first career Silver Slugger Award following the 1995 season and also was selected to his first All-Star Game.

From 1993 to 2000, he had 236 home runs and 804 RBI in 967 games for the Cleveland Indians, including a career-high 45 home runs in 1998, and a career-high 165 RBI in 1999, when he hit .333 with 44 homers and scored 131 runs (also a career high). His 165 RBI in 1999 were the highest total by any player since Jimmie Foxx (1938). During his time in Cleveland, he played in two World Series: 1995 and 1997.

Boston Red Sox

2001-03

In December 2000, Ramirez signed an eight-year, $160 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, with $20 million options for 2009 and 2010, pushing the total value of the contract to $200 million for 10 years. [2] Ramirez immediately delivered for the Red Sox, hitting .408 in April. His final season stats were a .306 batting average with 41 home runs and 125 RBI. On June 23, Ramirez hit two monstrous home runs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, with the second one hitting the very top of the light tower in left field. The length of the home run was officially listed at 501 feet[3], just short of Ted Williams' record of 502 feet.[4]

Manny only played in 120 games in 2002, due to a hamstring injury that put him on the DL for more than a month from mid-May to the end of June. Despite this, Ramirez won the American League batting title, hitting .349, and his .647 slugging percentage was second in the league behind Jim Thome's .677. Ramirez hit his 300th career home run on August 26 against the Angels' Ramon Ortiz. It was the first of two home runs of the night for Ramirez, as he went 5-for-5 overall.

In the summer of 2003, Ramirez missed several games with pharyngitis. When it became public that he was spotted in a bar (in the same hotel where Ramirez lives) with a close friend, Yankees infielder Enrique Wilson when Ramirez was supposedly too ill to play in the Yankees series, Boston manager Grady Little benched him for one game. Despite his strong play in the 2003 postseason, the Red Sox lost to the Yankees in a seven game showdown in the ALCS. The new Red Sox ownership and management, trying to rid themselves of his massive contract, put Ramirez on irrevocable waivers, thus making him available to any team willing to assume the remainder of his contract. However, all 29 other teams passed on the opportunity to claim Ramirez.

2004 season
Ramirez at Red Sox victory parade

In 2004, Ramirez led the American League in home runs (43), slugging percentage (.613) and OPS (1.009); he also finished third in RBI (130), sixth in on base percentage (.397), eighth in walks (82), tenth in runs (108), and posted a .308 batting average.

In addition, Ramirez and David Ortiz became the first pair of American League teammates to hit 40 home runs, have 100 RBI, and bat .300 since the Yankees' Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931. Together they also hit back-to-back home runs six times, tying the major league single-season mark set by the Detroit Tigers' Hank Greenberg and Rudy York and later matched by the Chicago White Sox's Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordóñez.

In the 2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Ramirez hit a two-run home run off Roger Clemens in the top of the first inning, giving his teammates a 3–0 lead. Ramirez, Derek Jeter (with a single), Ichiro Suzuki (with a double) and Iván Rodríguez (with a triple) became the first All-Star quartet to hit for the cycle during the same inning. His season was capped off by being named the MVP of the World Series as the Red Sox won their first title since 1918.

2005–06

On May 15, Ramirez hit his 400th home run off Gil Meche of the Seattle Mariners. Ramirez is one of only 45 MLB players in the 400 home run club. On July 5, Ramirez hit his 20th career grand slam — and his third of the season — off Chris Young of the Texas Rangers. Off the field, this season was one of much conflict for Ramirez. Persistent trade rumors (generally involving the New York Mets) dogged him all season. After the Red Sox were eliminated in the first round of that year's playoffs by the eventual World Series champion Chicago White Sox, Ramirez once again expressed a wish to be traded. This included a threat to not show up for spring training if his latest demand was not met by Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Toward this end, in December 2005, Ramirez put his Ritz-Carlton condominium up for sale.

Trade rumors circulated with Ramirez possibly going to the Baltimore Orioles or Mets, but no deal was reached. By January 5, 2006, Ramirez changed his mind, stating to ESPN Deportes he was dropping the demand. His agents, in turn, insisted their client was still open to a trade.[5]

On June 10, Ramirez became the 31st player in history to hit 450 home runs, with a solo shot off Francisco Cordero of the Texas Rangers. Three weeks later, on July 1, he collected his 2000th hit. The remainder of the season was feast or famine for Ramirez: beginning in mid-July, he had a 28-game hitting streak, including 12 multi-hit games, 8 HR, and 28 RBI, but then missed 28 games from mid-August on with soreness in his right knee.

2007-08
Manny Ramirez warming up before a game in 2007.

On April 22, Ramirez was the first of four Red Sox batters to homer in consecutive at bats in a game against the Yankees, tying a league record. All of the home runs were against Chase Wright.[6] On April 29, Ramirez became the fifth player to hit 50 career home runs against the New York Yankees.

Ramirez had a well below average year, finishing with a .296 batting average, 20 home runs, and 88 runs batted in. His season was cut short when he strained his left oblique in late August during a New York Yankees series, but he did return to the lineup for the final home stand of the season. In 2007, he had the highest fielding percentage, .990, among left fielders in the American League, [7] tied for second in the Major League; he was ranked 6th highest in range factor of all AL left fielders, 1.72,[8] 16th in both leagues, but had the lowest zone rating of Major League left fielders with 100+ games: .713. [9] He made two errors during the 2007 season in left field, [10] and tied for 5th overall in the Majors in assists from left field. [10]

In the postseason, Ramirez hit a walk-off 3-run home run in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the fourth inning of the series' final game, Ramirez combined with teammate David Ortiz to hit back-to-back home runs off pitcher Jered Weaver. This home run tied him with Bernie Williams for first place all-time in postseason home runs.[11] On October 13, Ramirez hit his 23rd postseason home run, passing Bernie Williams for the most all-time.

He also helped the Red Sox to reach and win the 2007 World Series, where they swept the Colorado Rockies. In the 2007 postseason, Ramirez batted .348 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI.

On May 31, 2008, Ramirez hit his 500th home run, against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chad Bradford at Camden Yards in the 7th inning on the first pitch, becoming the 24th player in MLB history to do so. He joined two other Red Sox players, Jimmie Foxx and Ted Williams in this exclusive home run club.

On June 5, during a game at Fenway against the Tampa Bay Rays, an altercation between Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis resulted from Ramirez objecting to what he believed was excessive - and chronic - complaining about the strike zone by Youkilis in the dugout, as well as the first baseman's penchant for throwing equipment after at-bats. Before the fifth inning - and after the Red Sox-Rays punching session - Ramirez was caught on NESN cameras slapping Youkilis. The pair also exchanged words, and had to be separated by teammates, coaches, and training staff. Youkilis headed out to the field still barking at Ramirez, while Ramirez was escorted into the tunnel leading to the clubhouse by bench coach Brad Mills and trainer Paul Lessard. According to three sources, Ramirez had told Youkilis to "cut that [expletive] out." That was what provoked Youkilis and started the problem.[12] Later in the season, during the series with the Houston Astros, Ramirez had a physical altercation with Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick. The two were arguing over Ramirez's large game-day request for 16 tickets to the game in Houston, when Ramirez reportedly pushed McCormick to the ground after saying "Just do your job." The two were quickly separated and Ramirez later apologized for his behavior.[13][14] The matter was dealt with internally and Ramirez was fined.

On July 25, after sitting out one game against the Seattle Mariners with a sore knee, Ramirez was originally slated to start against the Yankees. Several minutes before the game, however, he informed manager Terry Francona, through a bench coach, that he would not be playing. During this series against the Yankees Ramirez was directed to an area hospital for an MRI on both knees, the results showed no damage.[15] When back in action, Ramirez frequently did not run out ground balls. Assuming that this was due to his displeasure about his contract situation, many Red Sox fans and reporters, including Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, called for Ramirez to be traded.

Los Angeles Dodgers
A "Mannywood" banner in Downtown Los Angeles.
Manny Ramirez at Dodger Stadium when the Dodgers clinched the NL West, September 25, 2008

On July 31, 2008, Manny was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-way deal, in which he was almost traded to the Florida Marlins. The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay and minor league infielder Josh Wilson,[16] and the Pittsburgh Pirates got infielder Andy LaRoche, and pitching prospect Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and outfielder Brandon Moss and pitcher Craig Hansen from the Red Sox.[17]

Ramirez has always worn uniform number 24, but the Dodgers have retired that number in honor of Hall-of-Fame manager Walter Alston. Ramirez countered the Dodgers' suggestion of 28 by suggesting 34, but no Dodger has worn that number since Fernando Valenzuela. Ramirez finally accepted number 99, but the next day asked for 28, the Dodgers' original suggestion. However, the Dodgers' marketing department had already begun producing merchandise with number 99, so Ramirez stuck with that number.

Ramirez was named the National League Player of the Month for August 2008. He hit .415 (44-for-106) with seven doubles, nine home runs, 25 RBI and 21 runs scored during the month. He finished the season with the Dodgers hitting a .396 batting average, 17 home runs, and 53 RBI.[18]

Ramirez finished the season with 37 home runs and 121 runs batted in. Among all major leaguers, he finished 3rd in batting average, 2nd in slugging percentage, and 3rd in OPS. WIth Ramirez in the line-up, the Dodgers won the National League West, then swept the Chicago Cubs in a division series before losing the National League Championship Series to the eventual World Series winner Philadelphia Phillies in five games. During the playoffs, Manny hit .520 with 4 home runs, 2 doubles, 11 walks and 10 RBI.

Ramirez was fourth in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, with 138 points, behind Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Ryan Braun.[2]

After the Dodgers lost in the playoffs, Manny was asked about his future. "Gas is up, and so am I", was his reply, indicating that he expected to be valued highly in the free agent market. However, gas prices dropped in the off-season, and only the Dodgers appeared interested in signing Ramirez. After long and contentious negotiations that dragged into the start of spring training, Ramirez signed a two-year $45 million contract with Los Angeles on March 4.[19]

2009

On May 7, 2009, Ramirez was suspended 50 games for violating Major League Baseball's Performance Enhancing Drug policy.[20] In the announcement provided by Major League Baseball, Ramirez was suspended for an unspecified violation of section 8.G.2 of the joint drug agreement. Shortly after his suspension was announced, Ramirez stated that he had seen a physician who unknowingly prescribed medication that is banned under the MLB drug policy. After consulting with the MLBPA Players' Association, Ramirez waived his right to challenge the suspension.[21] According to an ESPN report, the drug used by Ramirez is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.[22]

During his suspension, Ramirez was allowed to workout at the Dodgers' facilities and he trained with Dodger coach Manny Mota. [23] To get back into game shape he was also allowed a short rehab stint in the minor leagues.[24] Ranirez played two games with the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes, where his appearance led to record crowds for the Isotopes. [25] He also played several games with the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers, homering in his first at-bat with the 66ers. [26] Ramirez returned from his suspension and reclaimed his starting role with the Dodgers on July 3rd against the San Diego Padres. [27]

On July 21, Ramirez hit his 537th career home run, passing Mickey Mantle for 15th place on the all-time home run list. [28]

On July 30, The New York Times reported that Ramirez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Major League Baseball's 2003 survey testing.[1] Ramirez, a member of the Boston Red Sox at the time, was among 104 major league players—including then-teammate David Ortiz—to test positive.[1]

Career earnings

As of 2008 seasonYear League Team Salary ($)
2009 National League Los Angeles Dodgers 25,000,000
2008 National League
American League Los Angeles Dodgers
Boston Red Sox 18,929,923
2007 American League Boston Red Sox 17,016,381
2006 American League Boston Red Sox 18,279,238
2005 American League Boston Red Sox 22,000,000
2004 American League Boston Red Sox 22,500,000
2003 American League Boston Red Sox 20,000,000
2002 American League Boston Red Sox 15,462,727
2001 American League Boston Red Sox 13,050,000
2000 American League Cleveland Indians 4,350,000
1999 American League Cleveland Indians 4,350,000
1998 American League Cleveland Indians 2,850,000
1997 American League Cleveland Indians 2,100,000
1996 American League Cleveland Indians 1,000,000
1995 American League Cleveland Indians 150,000
1994 American League Cleveland Indians 111,000
Career Total 162,149,269


Personal life

Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1985, Ramirez joined his parents who relocated from the Dominican Republic to Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in New York City. He played outfield for George Washington High School from 1989–1991.[29]

In 2004, Ramirez missed a Red Sox game to become an American citizen.[30] He entered the next game running onto the field to a standing ovation while carrying a small American flag held in his hand. He planted the flag in the left outfield corner of the field, in the shadow of the Green Monster, where it remained for the entire game.

Ramirez has three sons: Manuelito "Manny" Ramirez (b. 1995) from a previous relationship; Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 2003), and Lucas Ramirez (b. February 2006) with his current wife Juliana. In the off-season, the family lives in Weston, Florida.

Personality
Manny Ramirez asks the first base umpire if he went around on a swing.

Many stories depict Ramirez as a carefree, naïve individual whose concentration is dedicated solely to playing baseball. For example, one story (reminiscent of Yogi Berra) took place in his early years with the Cleveland Indians in June 1994. As teammates were gathered in the Indians clubhouse watching news of the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase, Ramirez asked what was going on. A player responded, "they are chasing O.J.", to which Ramirez responded in disbelief, "What did Chad do?" (in reference to their current teammate Chad Ogea).[31]

Though his hitting ability is undeniable, Ramirez has been described as a prima donna[32] and has periodically displayed a lack of enthusiasm and/or concentration, with mental lapses in both the outfield or running the bases. These incidents are typically described as "Manny Moments" or "Manny Being Manny." The first known documented usage[33] of the phrase "Manny Being Manny" is attributed to then-Indians manager Mike Hargrove, quoted in a 1995 Newsday article.[34]

On July 18, 2005, Ramirez disappeared into the "Green Monster" during a visit to the mound by pitching coach Dave Wallace with two outs in the top of the 6th inning. When pitcher Wade Miller[35] was ready to resume pitching, Ramirez was nowhere to be found. Manny returned to the wall several times since during pitching changes, but always returned on time. Ramirez also was seen playing left field at Fenway with a water bottle in his back pocket.[36][37]

Off the field
In 2007, Ramirez requested and received permission from the Red Sox to arrive late to spring training for family reasons. It was later revealed that during his absence Ramirez was scheduled to appear at the Atlantic City Classic car auction.[38] It is unclear whether the appearance was scheduled before or after the family situation. Ramirez chose not to attend the auction.[39] A remodeled car that Ramirez had put up for bidding at the auction did not generate a high enough bid to be sold.[40]
Ramirez missed the White House reception for the Red Sox 2007 World Series championship. President George W. Bush quipped: "I'm sorry [Ortiz'] running mate, Manny Ramirez, isn't here. I guess his grandmother died again. Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it."[41]

Career statistical highlights
Led League
American League batting crown (2002, .349) [42]
Led AL in home runs (2004, 43) [42]
Led AL in RBI (1999, 165) [42]
3-time led AL in slugging percentage (1999–2000, 2004) [42]
3-time led AL in OPS (1999–2000, 2004) [42]
3-time led AL in on base percentage (2002–03, 2006) [42]
Twice led AL in intentional walks (2001, 2003) [42]
League Top-Ten
8-time Top 10 AL in total bases (1996–99, 2001,2003–05) [42]
8-time Top 10 AL MVP (1998–2005) [42]
9-time Top 10 AL in home runs (1998–2006) [42]
8-time Top 10 AL in RBI (1995, 1998, 1999–2001, 2004, 2005) [42]
5-time Top 10 AL hitters (1997, 1999–2000, 2003, 2006)
6-time Top 10 AL in times on base (1997, 1999, 2003–05) [42]
Honors
12-time All-Star (1995, 1998–2008) [42]
World Series MVP Award (2004) [43]
2-time Hank Aaron Award (1999, 2004) [42]
9-time Silver Slugger Award (1995, 1999–2006) [42]
Member of Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team [44]
Postseason
2-Time World Series Champion (Boston, 2004, 2007)
Tied with Pete Rose for longest LCS hitting streak (15) [45]
Other
9 straight seasons of at least 30 HR and 100 RBI. (1998–2006, tied for 3rd longest in history)
27-game hitting streak in 2006 [46]
Hit 500th Home Run on May 31, 2008 in the 7th Inning vs. Baltimore Orioles off of Chad Bradford. [47]
Career rankings among active players and on the All-Time lists (as of the end of the 2008 season)
527 home runs - 6th and 17th
21 grand slams - 1st and 2nd (to Lou Gehrig)
1706 RBI - 4th and 23rd
.313 batting average - 7th and 78th (tie)
.410 on base percentage - 7th and 36th
.591 slugging average - 3rd and 8th
1.001 OPS - 4th and 10th
1025 extra base hits - 4th (tie) and 24th (tie)
176 intentional walks - 5th and 22nd
28 postseason home runs - 1st
74 postseason RBI - 1st